GLORY TRAIN FULL STEAM AHEAD

Just when I thought it couldn't get any better, once again, this exceptionally talented artist comes through. "Glory Train: Songs of Faith, Worship and Praise rolled into town on October 25 offering 19 tracks that are almost indescribable. Unlike its fully gospel predecessor "Worship & Faith" many of the songs on this release were not as familiar to me but many of them quickly became some of my favorite randy Travis tunes to date. Whereas on "worship & faith" some of the more upbeat songs ended up being my favorites, with "Glory Train" I found just the opposite. Of course that's not to say I dislike any of the songs, perhaps just lean more toward the slower hymns and praise presentations this time around.

Once again, backed by acoustical blue-grass musical arrangements, these tunes that are quite familiar to the Christian arena now have that country Christian feel to them that only randy Travis can offer. What also sets this aside from the other three are the astounding background vocals offered by such guests as the Blind Boys of Alabama and the Crabb Family just to name a few.

Whether you are a fan of more traditional hymns or the praise songs, whether you like the more up-tempo songs or the slow tunes, there is a little of each for everyone. From the beginning starting out with the more upbeat tunes of "This Train" and "Swing Down Chariot," and continuing on through the tracks, the CD concludes with the slow baritone offering by randy of "Precious Lord, take My Hand" which is truly one you don't want to miss.

If by chance you've already checked out the sound clips, rest assured as good as they sound, they do not do the entire project justice; they only touch the tip of the iceberg in knowing what this CD and artist have to offer.

Don't let this CD get away; this is a true treasure.

NO PASSING THROUGH HERE This long-awaited CD, some Mostly country with a hint of gospel sounds, truly offers something for everyone. For the fan who already knows Randy and has been waiting for a country CD, this one will definitely not disappoint you. One can't help but notice the similarities and relationship between many of the songs from Randy's youth until today. "that Was Us" gives you the feel of Randy reliving his youth as a youngster who was known for getting into some kind of trouble most of the time. "Four Walls" (his current single) give you a feeling of his remembrance of how close he was to his Grandfather. "My Daddy Never Was" perhaps reminds him of the somewhat shaky relationship he had with his own father while "Angels" is a tribute to mothers all over including his own. The CD appears almost as a biological sketch of his own life even through "Right on Time", a song about how a person was close to going the wrong direction in life but has turned it around. Randy has always had the unique and distinct ability to deliver these songs that are of a story-telling nature but in this CD, you almost get the feeling he somewhat is reliving them as he sings them. And let us not forget Randy's writing ability. Not always included on every CD, "I'm Your Man" and "I Can See It in Your Eyes" both written by Randy are two beautiful ballad's that are sure to touch the hearts of many. "While Place to Hang My Hat" is another ballad of pure country sound and "Pick Up the Oars and Row" is somewhat of a slow tempo, this CD isn't all about ballads and slow songs. "that Was Us" (already mentioned), "Running Blind," "My Poor Old Heart" and "Train Long Gone" are sure to get your toes tapping and you singing along. If you truly love country, you won't find yourself 'passing through" any of the 12 songs on this CD. Delivered in that smooth baritone voice like no other can, this CD is a pure country sound from a true country artist.

I love all his song's, they brighten my soul when I listen to him. his song's are so inspiring to me and my son. We love all of it. I give his albums 10 stars.

WORSHIP & FAITH Truly Traditional If you are one of those fans searching your radio dial for some good southern gospel or traditional country gospel music, search no more. All you need to do it take a listen to Randy Travis' recent release "Worship & Faith." The third gospel release by this great artist in the same number of years differs this time from those previously released by offering some of the best-loved well-known songs in the Christian arena. Whereas "Inspirational Journey" in 2000 and "Rise and Shine" in 2002 offered primarily new Christian material, this latest release offers songs many can relate to from their childhood memories. Sung like only Randy could sing them, this CD offers such gospel ballads as "Peace in the Valley," "How Great Thou Art," "Blessed Assurance," "In the Garden," to the more upbeat songs such as "Sweet By and By," "I'll Fly Away," "Love Lifted Me," "Will the Circle Be unbroken," and many more. For those more familiar with the "praise and worship" songs often sang in many of the churches of today, Randy's rendition of songs such as "Open the eyes of My Heart," "You Are Worthy of My Praise," "Above All," and "We Fall Down" are truly breath-taking. Backed by only acoustical blue-grass musical arrangements, no one could be more convincing in his dedication to a music ministry than that baritone sounding voice of Randy Travis. Whether you are familiar with the more traditional hymns or the less familiar worship and praise offerings, with 20 songs in all you will find there is a little of something for everyone on this CD. You may also want to check out the DVD of this same title offering a live performance of many of these songs. The DVD was recorded At Calvary Baptist Church in Florida.

Randy once said (in an interview when asked) why he didn't go with familiar gospel songs when recording "Inspirational Journey" ( his first gospel offering)" that he didn't know what he could do to them, that numerous recording artist before him hadn't already done". Well, after listening to the 20 songs selected by Randy on "Worship and Faith" I think I can answer that question for him. "He simply needed to sing them". Randy is a truely talented artist. He has a feel for a lyrics like no one else. The only other artist who comes to mind (with such a feel for a lyric) is the great late Nat King Cole. Every selection on "Worship and Faith" is inspiring. Randy has a way of making the old sound new, and the new sound timeless. This is full of great material. "How Great Thou Art", "Peace In The Valley", "Just A Closer Walk With Thee", "Above All", "Open The Eyes Of My Heart" are all stunning in their individualism. If your familiar with any of these songs, you will be giving yourself a wonderful gift( and blessing) by purchasing this album. For those who may not know them, but love the Randy's traditional country album, this will be a wonderful addition (not to mention surprise) to add to your collection.

Randy's a talent in a class all by itself. His country albums have had some of the best traditional music, to have ever been recorded. Now his gospel offerings are equally as potent. He is perhaps one of the greatest story telling singers ever, in any genre. I have purchased every single album this extremely talented artist has put forth. He rarely disappoints. I loved his country offerings. These gospel offerings displays even a more revealing side to Mr. Travis's talent, and the reason for it. He is genuine in his career making decisions...be it a traditional music album, an acting role, or a gospel offering,it must reflect sincerety . "Inspirational Journey" Randy's first gosepl offering was amazing. "Rise And Shine" is absolutely awesome. Captivating from start to finish. There is not a single track that you can reject. Every selection affects you differently. My favorite those is the opening track "Raise Him Up" What an incredible piece of writing, and equally incredible performance on it by Randy. For me this album is equal to his very first country offering "Storms Of Life". Both "Storms" and "Rise" have "eternal listening" stamped all over them! Looking forward to the next gospel offering "Worship and Faith" due to hit the stands next month (Nov). Also, a live DVD of his performing the songs on the new album to be released simultaniously.

BEYOND THE JOURNEY Truly Inspirational "Rise and Shine" (Randy Travis) This, the second gospel release from Randy Travis, his follow-up to "inspirational Journey", released in October of 2000, I found to personally be 'truly inspirational. I feel it even goes "beyond" the Journey with its variety of offerings. From uptempo to the ballad of gospel, from the serious to the lighthearted, "Rise and Shine" offers something for everybody. With story lines of Three Wooden Crosses that tell a story of a teacher, preacher, farmer and hooker to "When Mama Prayed" telling how much prayer can do in the lives of those who do, you can't help but feel the true-to-life feeling these songs convey. From the serious side of "Jerusalem's Cry" and "Raise Him Up" which are focused on scripture, to the light-hearted "pray for the Fish," a story about a guy who is about to be baptized and the towns folk even bet on whether his soul will ever come clean adds various dimensions of musical talent and lyrics to this CD. Let it also be said the musical styles very from what Randy has himself termed as bar room gospel with the sounds of "I'M REady" to the bluesy sound of "Valley of Pain" and those of the gospel sounds of "That's Jesus." Even with the various musical styles, lyrics, etc., the one thing that remained constant was the artist himself who, I felt, put forth his heart and soul in his work delivering the message of each song as only he could deliver it. It truly is one of Randy's best works ever, if not the best and there is not one song on there that I feel doesn't say something to someone. .

Awesome I am only 13, but i still love 3 wooden crosses! It is very unique, and one of the best christian song i know! At first I though this song was mean because I tought it meant the hooker went to H.E.Double Hockey Sticks when it said 3 wooden crosses but then i listened again and now i know! I love this song a give it 3 thumbs up if i had and x-tra one of course!